Mahavir Jayanti is the most important Jain festival. It celebrates the birth of Saint Mahavir in a small town called Vaishali.
The importance of the festival owes to the fact that Saint Mahavir was the founder of Jainism as a religion. It is a peaceful religion that cherishes simplicity. Their core values are such that they do not believe in killing even an insect.
The mood of this festival is also without any kind of drama, just a quite celebration with respect to their saint. There are dominantly four types of Jains: Digambars and Svetambaras, Deravasis and Sthanakvasis. The worship rituals of Jains are not very elaborate or striking as their leader Mahavir was against idol worship in its ideal sense. Out of the four sects only Deravasis go to temples, while the others regard their ideal faith to be purest when internalized.
History & Significance
Mahavir Jain was born in the 5th century B.C. He was born in a palace of Vaishali to King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala. During the pregnancy, the queen is said to have had dreams of auspicious nature. The number of dreams varies in belief of each sect. After running his kingdom faithfully till 30 years of his age, the great saint gave up all luxuries and comforts of palace for penance. For twelve long years the saint had been under penance. At this time he was enlightened. He was known to be the 24th and the last tirthankara to have received enlightenment. He gave up all redundancies of life. He would eat on his palms refusing to use a plate. He also gave up wearing clothes. Getting rid of these rudimentary materials he focused on the real things and the real meaning of life. He preached the importance of truth and non-violence along with the message of not owning anything and not stealing. He later formulated all his teachings into a religion that he names Jainism.
Celebrations And Rituals
The festival is celebrated throughout the country among Jain communities. Although they believe in simplicity and avoid grandiosity, there are some significant ceremonies that they uphold.
One of the most significant traditions of this day is the visit to various tirthankar statues and temples. There are processions with pictures and images of Mahavir. The temples have varied pujas to honor the statue of Mahavir by flowers, rice, fruits and abhishek it with milk. There are places of gathering or temples where the core values and message of Mahavira is preached. Some places his life history is also told. Some of the believers also observe a fast on this day. Kheer is prepared in most houses as a sweet dish.
Mahavir Jayanti 2018 Wishes
- May Lord Mahavir fullfill your all the dreams & wishes.
Come follow the path of non-violence. Let’s take an oath on this auspicious day.
Wish you Happy Mahavir Jayanti! - May the holy words of Lord Mahavira show you the path to never ending happiness.
Happy Mahavir Jayanti! - Fight with yourself, why fight with external foes? He, who conquers himself through himself, will obtain happiness. – Lord Mahavira
Have a blessed Mahavir Jayanti! - All breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away.
Happy Mahavir Jayanti! - May the preachings of Lord Mahavira:
Samyak-Darshana – Right Faith
Samyak-Jnana – Right Knowledge and
Samyak-Charitra – Right Conduct together give us the real path to attain the liberation of ourselves!
Happy Mahavir Jayanti! - May Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of Jainism bless you at all times!
Happy Mahavir Jayanti! - Learn
Dignity from Ram; Service from Shravan;
Target from Eklavya; Friendship from Krishna;
Philanthropy from Karan; Non-veiolence from Buddha;
And Meditation from Mhavira!
Happy Mahavir Jayanti! - May you get spiritual calmness (Prasanna); have desire to get liberation from life cycles (Samvega); without any attachment to anything (Nirveda); kindness (Anukampa); and belief in the nine fundamental principles (Astikya) of Jainism!
Happy Mahavir Jayanti! - Adopt the path of Truth,
Knowledge and Non violence
Happy Mahavir Jayanti! - Little keys can open big locks.
Simple words can express great thoughts.
I hope my simple pray can make your life great
Happy Mahavir Jayanti!
